Crisis Communications Boot Camp Chicago 3

10-11 April 2025

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $600

Crisis Communications Boot Camp Chicago 3

BOOK NOW AND SAVE $600

10-11 April 2025

About the Event

Crisis Communications Boot Camp | April 10-11, 2024 | Chicago, Catalyst Ranch

The Crisis Communications Boot Camp is back for its third edition in Chicago, and it's our most highly anticipated yet! With fresh speakers, cutting-edge topics, and exclusive insights from industry leaders, this is your chance to equip yourself with the critical skills to navigate today’s most pressing reputational challenges. With tickets selling faster than ever, secure yours now and ensure your spot at this dynamic two-day event!

Why Attend?

  • Exclusive Case Studies: Gain real-world insights from top crisis experts from PwC, United Airlines, US Gymnastics, Walgreens, IBM, and more. Learn how industry leaders tackled their most challenging crises and emerged stronger.

  • Reputational Threats Unpacked: Address today’s most urgent issues—deepfakes, political polarization, cancel culture, and the mounting pressure to take a public stance on sensitive topics.

  • Essential Crisis Skills: Discover the power of internal communications, effective messaging during sensitive issues, and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can shape your crisis response.

  • Mini Workshop with United Airlines: Join United’s top communications team for an interactive session on critical skills every crisis communicator needs and how DEI can strengthen your crisis response.

  • Full-Day AI Workshop: Dive deep into AI-powered crisis communications with Peter Heneghan, former Deputy Director of Digital Communications, 10 Downing Street. Develop your strategies and sharpen your skills with this hands-on, immersive workshop.

Limited Availability: Super early-bird tickets are selling out fast, with only 70 spots available. We also offer group discounts, so bring your team along and save!

Get your tickets now and be part of the most transformative crisis communications event of the year!

Only

125days

10hours

29min

UNTIL THE EVENT

Facts & Figures

  • Inaugural Event: The very first Crisis Communications Boot Camp was organized in Calgary in 2017, setting the stage for a journey of excellence in crisis communication training.
  • Global Reach: Since its inception, the boot camp has attracted over 2500 PR professionals, making it one of the most sought-after events in the field. It has been held in 25 cities around the world, offering participants a truly global perspective on crisis communication.
  • Global Recognition: The Crisis Communications Boot Camp is widely recognized as one of the world's leading training programs in crisis communications, not only in Europe and North America but across the globe. Its reputation for delivering cutting-edge strategies and insights has solidified its status as a go-to resource for professionals in the field.
  • Exclusive Content: The boot camp continuously evolves to address the latest challenges and trends in crisis communication. Participants can expect exclusive content, expert speakers, and practical takeaways that empower them to navigate the ever-changing landscape of crisis management.
  • Solutions-Oriented: Unlike many other events, this boot camp places a strong emphasis on practical solutions and actionable strategies. Attendees leave with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively handle crises and protect their organization's reputation.

Speakers

Jill Geer USA Gymnastics

Chris Gee Future-Proofing PR: AI Integration & Digital Leadership Advisor | LinkedIn Top Thought Leadership & Storytelling Voice | Non-Profit Board Director | Public Speaker | Podcaster

Ryan Brack Meta

Peter Heneghan Former Deputy Director of Digital Communications, 10 Downing Street

Caroline Krajewski Dairy Management Inc.

Tamarra Thal IBM

Ellen Burr PwC

Fraser Engerman Walgreens

Luisa Rapport Stanford University

Josh Freed United Airlines

Charlie Hobart United Airlines

Carly Pietrzak United Airlines

David Gonzalez United Airlines

Agenda

09.00

Registration and Morning Coffee

10.00

Crisis Communications in the Age of AI
In a world where crises can unfold and escalate in real time, AI has become a game-changer for crisis communications, providing organizations with the tools needed to respond faster and with greater precision. Join Chris Gee, CEO of Chris Gee Consulting, as he explores how AI is transforming crisis management. This session will delve into cutting-edge AI applications, from real-time sentiment analysis to predictive modeling, which empower teams to anticipate issues, enable proactive responses, and protect brand reputation. Through impactful case studies and best practices, Chris will share how to leverage AI-driven insights and strategies to navigate today’s high-stakes communication challenges confidently.
Chris Gee, CEO, Chris Gee Consulting

10.40 

AI-Driven Mis/Disinformation and Deepfakes: Adapting Crisis Communication Strategies in a Changing Landscape
The rise of AI-driven misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake technology has revolutionized the crisis communications landscape, bringing new and complex challenges. This session explores how these advanced tools are reshaping crisis scenarios, with an emphasis on the risks they pose to brand reputation, public trust, and crisis response timelines. Attendees will gain insight into the tactics bad actors use, the psychological effects of AI-enhanced content, and the rapid spread of false information. Ryan will share actionable strategies for early detection, verification, and rapid response, as well as best practices for crisis communicators to stay ahead of AI-fueled crises. From implementing monitoring tools to developing preemptive response frameworks, this session provides critical resources to navigate and mitigate the impact of AI-generated threats.
Ryan Brack, Co-Founder & CPO, Stealth (Former Privacy Public Affairs Communications, Meta)

11.20

Building a Resilient Communications Culture: Strategies for Preparedness in Emergencies and Crises
In an era of permacrisis—where organizations face constant and overlapping disruptions—the strength of your communications strategy can be the deciding factor between resilience and chaos. Join Luisa Rapport as she reveals actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of readiness that empowers your team in both day-to-day operations and during critical incidents.
You will gain practical insights into embedding preparedness into organizational culture, ensuring your communication team can swiftly and confidently navigate any emergency or crisis. From developing agile response frameworks to fostering a mindset of continuous vigilance, this session will equip you with the tools to lead effectively and build a communication function that thrives under pressure.
Luisa Rapport, Director, Media Relations, Stanford University

12.00

Lunch for Speakers and Delegates

13.00 

Beyond the Headlines: A Look Inside Dairy’s Coordinated Bird Flu Response
In moments of uncertainty, proven crisis procedures aren’t just a safeguard – they’re a testament to the strength, integrity and leadership of an organization. Effective crisis communication and response can mean the diffrence between maintaining public trust and facing lasting reputational damage, underscoring the essential role of preparation. This session will examine the multidimensional crisis strategy undertaken by the dairy industry when bird flu emerged as a potential threat in March 2024. As the situation unfolded, the industry enacted well-established and tested protocols, working collaboratively with a broad network of stakeholders to support dairy farmers, mitigate potential threats, and communicate often and transparently. Join this session to learn how a unified, all-hands-in approach with clear roles and responsibilities enabled swift and nimble action, consistent message delivery and ultimately, sustained consumer confidence in dairy foods and beverages.
Caroline Krajewski, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

13.40

Internal Communications During Crisis: Maintaining Transparent and Effective Internal Communications During Challenging Times
During a crisis, clear and transparent internal communication is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring that all team members are aligned. This session will explore the best practices for delivering timely and consistent messages to employees, managing internal concerns, and fostering a supportive environment. Learn how to keep your workforce informed and engaged, while minimizing confusion and misinformation, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Tamarra Thal, Global Internal Communications Lead at IBM

14.20

Restoring Credibility: How USA Gymnastics Reclaimed Trust After Crisis
In the wake of one of the most challenging crises in sports history, USA Gymnastics has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation and restore trust with athletes, fans, and the public. Join Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, as she shares an inside look at the organization’s recovery journey. This session will explore the strategies, key decisions, and obstacles USA Gymnastics faced in its efforts to rebuild trust, increase transparency, and re-establish confidence among its stakeholders.
Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, USA Gymnastics

14.50

Communicating on Sensitive Topics: Effective Ways to Handle Delicate Issues
Navigating sensitive topics in communications demands a blend of precision, empathy, and strategic messaging. In this session, participants will learn essential techniques for managing complex and potentially controversial topics, from health crises to social issues and organizational challenges. This session will delve into frameworks for maintaining trust and transparency while addressing stakeholders' concerns, with insights on tailoring messages to different audiences and controlling the narrative in highly polarized environments. Fraser will illustrate how to balance authenticity with caution, ensuring that sensitive issues are handled respectfully, ethically, and effectively.
Fraser Engerman, Senior Director of External Relations, Walgreens

15.30

Networking and Refreshment Break

15.45 

Mini Workshop with United Airlines: Top Skills and Best Practices for Crisis Communicators
Join United Airlines’ Global Response Team for an immersive mini-workshop designed to equip crisis communicators with the essential skills needed to navigate today’s complex crisis landscape. This session will delve into the top capabilities every crisis professional needs like anticipating and preparing for issues, quick decision-making skills and monitor and sustain tactics. Attendees will walk through real-life scenarios that United Airlines encountered over the last year including crises around safety, DEI and customer experience and will have the opportunity to engage in interactive exercises that bring these skills to life, providing practical takeaways for real-world application.
Learn how inclusive crisis strategies not only protect reputations but also resonate authentically and support an organizational culture of trust even in turbulent times. This extended session offers communicators the tools to respond to crises with both skill and integrity, fostering a resilient and inclusive approach to reputation management.
Josh Freed, Director of Global Response Communications, United Airlines
Charlie Hobart, Senior Manager - Global Response Communications, United Airlines
Carly Pietrzak, Senior Manager, Social Media Intelligence, United Airlines
David Gonzalez, Senior Manager, Media Relations, United Airlines

16.45

End of Day One

10.00-16.30

AI-Powered Crisis Communications: Mastering Modern Challenges in an Era of Permacrisis
In this intensive workshop, participants will explore the evolving complexity of crisis communications in an interconnected world and learn how to effectively integrate AI tools at every stage of crisis management. Through a blend of foundational insights, hands-on applications, and real-world simulations, this workshop will equip you to navigate the heightened risks of social movements, global tensions, and digital threats such as deepfakes with confidence and precision.

Part 1: Navigating the New Complexity of Modern Crises
- Explore how social movements, shifting geopolitics, and the era of "permacrisis" shape today’s crisis communication landscape.
- Discuss why crisis communication strategies must evolve to handle the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of global challenges.

Part 2: Leveraging AI in Crisis Management
- Gain a foundational understanding of AI, including its ethical considerations and transformative potential in crisis management.
- Learn the basics of machine learning and natural language processing to grasp how AI can enhance your approach to managing crises.
- AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We will examine its limitations and discuss when AI is most effective and when human judgment should take precedence.

Part 3: Integrating AI Tools Across the Crisis Communication Lifecycle
- Dive into a comprehensive session on AI-powered tools for every stage of crisis communication: from planning and content creation to real-time analysis and reporting.
- Experience live demonstrations showcasing practical uses of these tools in managing modern crises.

Part 4: Countering Deepfakes in Crisis Communication
- Understand the growing threat of deepfakes in crisis situations, and how manipulated media can harm your organization’s reputation.
- Learn about AI-driven solutions to detect and counter deepfakes, as well as strategies for managing the fallout from fake content during a crisis.
- Explore case studies where deepfakes played a role in escalating crises, and how organizations responded.

Part 5: Building an AI-Enhanced Crisis Communication Plan
- Participate in an interactive, hands-on session where you'll develop a robust crisis communication plan that integrates AI tools and technologies.
-Focus on scenario planning, stakeholder mapping, and crafting strategic messages to respond to various crisis situations.

Part 6: Crisis Simulation and Real-Time Application of AI Tools
- Test your crisis communication strategies in an immersive simulation exercise designed to mimic real-world crisis scenarios.
- Emphasize real-time decision-making, digital platform monitoring, and applying AI solutions, including deepfake detection, to effectively manage crises as they unfold.

About Your Workshop Leader:
Peter Heneghan is a distinguished communications and AI expert with senior roles at BBC News, BuzzFeed, and 10 Downing Street.  He played a pivotal role in transforming the UK Government's digital communication during the Covid-19 pandemic through tech and audience-first campaigns.
In Spring 2023, he launched The Future Communicator, an AI and digital communications agency, that specialise in supporting business of all sizes embrace and integrate AI. They have quickly attracted high-profile global clients such as the United Nations, a leading Formula One team, Sport England and FTSE100 companies.  PR Week highlighted it as an "agency to watch in 2024" due to its impressive early achievements. Peter is also a respected public speaker and thought leader - including as a special lecturer on London Business School's Executive programme.

Our partners

Venue

Catalyst Ranch, Chicago, USA

Address: 656 W Randolph St Ste 4E, Chicago, IL 60661, United States

Catalyst Ranch in Chicago is a unique meetings and events venue designed for companies to go offsite for thinking, planning, developing, creating new products, solutions, and innovative ideas. The Ranch was named the “Best Conference Venue” by Illinois Meetings & Events in 2012 and 2013 and the Professional Convention Management Association’s Convene Magazine “Best in Show” for Small Meetings 2014. The design inspires play for grown up companies with today's big challenges. Play is the first step toward creativity. Toys, games, color, texture, natural light, comfortable seating, and space to roam all contribute to the stimulate creativity and communication. For groups of 3 to 120, it's a wondrous environment that can be configured to meet your needs. Imagination, environment, creativity, innovation.